Quercetin 95% | Sophora japonica

Quercetin 95% | Sophora japonica

Properties: There is no need to convince anyone that fruits and vegetables are healthy. This is a common knowledge eagerly spread by all doctors and dietitians. But why exactly these products are so beneficial for health seems to be less known. The secret lies in the chemical composition of plants, particularly in the natural substances they contain. There are plenty of them, just like there are a lot of plants and their subspecies. However, some of these substances are especially interesting. Thus, it is worthwhile to spend a moment and analyze the way in which they impact the organism. One of such substances is actually quercetin – a flavonoid found mostly, but not only, in fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, it also can be found in tea leaves – especially in green tea.  

Why is this organic substance so popular as a diet supplement? Well, the main reason is that it benefits the functioning of the entire organism – particularly its defence mechanisms. Quercetin has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, thus it efficiently strengthens the immune system. Moreover, it protects the organism by eliminating toxic substances such as free radicals, which makes it an effective antioxidant. On top of that, quercetin is successfully employed in antiallergic therapy, because it blocks the secretion of histamine – a substance crucial in allergic reaction. 

However, the properties of quercetin are not limited to the immune system. It has a broad influence on the entire organism. For instance, it promotes cellular energy production mostly by affecting the biochemical processing of mitochondria. Thus, by supplementing quercetin, we can strengthen the physical performance of the body. After all, mitochondria serve as a kind of cellular powerhouse. As a result, we feel more energized and regenerate faster after intense physical effort. This is why quercetin can be really handy during an exhausting workout, although its benefits will satisfy every person – not only sportsmen. As it turns out, this natural flavonoid can also lower the blood cholesterol level and regulate the glucose production. Taking all these effects into account, it becomes clear that quercetin has a powerful impact on our general vitality.  

Speaking of health, we should take care of it primarily through a well-balanced diet, because it is together with food that we provide our body with the necessary compounds, including quercetin. Sometimes, however, it turns out that we suffer from its deficiency – for instance during stressful life periods. In these times, it is worthwhile to consider quercetin supplementation. Then, we deliver its pure form to the organism, and can experience the full power of its benefits.

Occurrence: Quercetin is widely present in the world of plants. It is found in everyday products such as onion, kale, broccoli, apple, blueberries, spinach, blackcurrant, grapes, orange and tea leaves. It can also be found in herbs – such as common rue, horsetail, St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba or elderberry. It is also present in other plants, including the Japanese pearl fruit and in plant-based products such as juices, red wine and honey.

Biochemistry: Quercetin is an organic polycyclic aromatic compound from the flavonoid group. Its molecules have a flat structure, thanks to which it easily penetrates deep into the lipid bilayer. Quercetin is a component of many flavonoid glycosides. It is an aglycone of many compounds, including rutin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside and avicularin.

Fun fact: The name “quercetin” comes from the Latin word quercetum, which means the oak forest or simply quercus – “oak”. It’s because quercetin has been found in the bark of oak trees.